What's it like to review CDs and interview rock stars? USA TODAY music critic Edna Gundersen will be online to give you the latest scoop on rock, pop, alternative, hip-hop, and other music scenes. Do you love today's scene - or long for things to return to the way they were "back in the day"? You decide.

Greencastle, IN:
When a music-based movie like "Josie and the Pussycats" tanks, does the soundtrack generally follow suit? Similarly, whether "Moulin Rouge" bombs or not, what is the market for its soundtrack? I can't see anyone under 50 being attracted to that sideshow.

Edna Gundersen:
Sometimes the synergy is brilliant. Consider the Titanic movie and soundtrack fueling each other to the record books. I doubt the Moulin Rouge soundtrack would have much of a chance without big box office receipts for the movie. Likewise when a music-driven movie like Josie and the Pussycats sinks, it tends to doom the soundtrack. Unless it yields a giant radio hit, usually one of those bombastic Diane Warren ballads, the soundtrack's not going to take off without considerable movie buzz. IT will be interesting to see how the Sopranos soundtrack does. The music is used so effectively in the series, and the double album is full of wonderful, disparate, eccentric stuff that deserves attention. It's also gotten loads of publicity. To be a hit, however, it will have to draw buyers from beyond the viewership. And it might.Washington, DC:
What three rock bands do you think have been the most successful over time and changes in music styles?

Edna Gundersen:
U2 leaps to mind first. They've consistently and successfully held to their vision through all sorts of trends and fickle periods in pop. When they did dip their toes into the current movement, as in Achtung Baby and Zooropa, they triumphed with a perfect hybrid. The Rolling Stones, while not always delivering big-selling albums, have managed to endure endless changes in the landscape. And Aerosmith, of course, wrote the book on rock 'n' roll survival, having overcome a host of personal crises, most notably drugs, while remaining a viable, visible force in the rock realm.Lynchburg, VA:
Can a group composed of 35+ year old musicians make it big in the music industry? Sure, there are a lot of successful bands that have made it big and have musicians who are 35+ years of age, but did they make it big when they were 35+? Does it depend on the genre of music? Is this age discrimination or just practical marketing? So many questions, so little time...

Edna Gundersen:
You can chalk it up to both age discrimination and practical marketing. Older artists are a harder sell in our youth-obsessed marketplace, not just in music, obviously, but also in movies, TV and probably every corner of commerce. Once music became so visual with the arrival of MTV, age became a bigger factor, and since most record buyers these days are tots and adolescents (who think 35 is nursing-home territory), it's not surprising that labels seek out teen acts and 20-something rock bands. What's frustrating is that age seems to trump talent, so a 19-year-old tone-deaf talentless hack with a presentable midriff has a better shot than a gifted musician with a few crow's feet.Washington DC:
Have you heard anything about the Radiohead tour? Will they be doing the big tent/anti-corporate sponsor type of thing they did in Europe?

Edna Gundersen:
I haven't heard details about the tour itself, but I have heard the new album, Amnesiac, due June 5. It's very much in the vein of Kid A: atmospheric, experimental, short on guitar riffs. So forget those rumors about a shift back toward conventional rock. On the other hand, the band has a knack for transforming mellow recorded material into hyperkinetic workouts on stage, so I'm betting the show will deliver high-energy excitement. They head out June 18 in Houston with the Beta Band.Brooklyn, NY:
Heard anything on the Living Colour reunion?

Edna Gundersen:
I hear they are taking it one day at a time, with no grand plans beyond the scattered dates they've booked. Apparently, guitarist Vernon Reid and singer Corey Glover have mended their rift, so a lasting bond is possible. They were wonderful in their day, but will there be a warm reception for their old-school guitar rock? Jury is out.Cincinnati Ohio:
What do you think of REM's new album, and how do you feel they have adjusted since the departure of their long-time drummer Bill Berry?

Edna Gundersen:
The new album, Reveal, is a marvelous, cohesive dreamscape of pretty ballads and mid-tempo fare. They really nailed it -- there's not a clunker in the bunch. Michael Stipe's voice is more compelling than ever, and the band has hit on a wonderful meld of mellow rock, orchestration and electronica. Now if only radio will support it, they might have a comeback. They'll need radio, because they have no tour plans. Bill Berry's departure definitely hurt and left them temporarily rudderless, especially in making Up, which many regard as a foundering attempt to carry on. I think they've fully recovered, and that Joey Waronker is an agile substitute for Berry. The question is, will be become a full-fledged member of the band or limp along as a sideman?Kansas City, Missouri:
This city's radio stations stink. with one company owning most of them, we have classical music only on the AM band, and the FM stations all play the same 30 songs. Any good music being made out there?

Edna Gundersen:
Radio is lame almost everywhere, unfortunately. I used to enthusiastically surf across the dial in search of new sounds. Now I listen to my CD player or NPR. It's hopeless. Lots of good music is being made. Programmers are in effect ignoring it and hammering away at a dozen or so sure-bet pop tunes.Chicago, IL:
I just spend $700 on Madonna concert tickets... I feel like an idiot. Can you justify her draw at this time? Two shows sold out here in Chicago in less than an hour.

Edna Gundersen:
Yikes. First off, take some consolation in the fact that the show will probably be amazing. Madonna doesn't do anything half-way or half-baked. She'll present a polished and dazzling production, I'm sure. But the ticket prices are outlandish. I'm presuming you went through a broker and paid more than face value. I talked to some unhappy fans in Phoenix yesterday who were faced with paying $300 each for Janet Jackson tickets. In Madonna's case, I think you'll get what you pay for. For one thing, as a mother of two with a growing empire, it's unlikely she'll tour regularly in the future.Cleveland, Ohio:
What in the world is going on with Van Halen and the possible reunion with DLR? Everything seems to be pointing to this thing actually happening. If not, has the group run its course or will we see a split or a instrumental type release?

Edna Gundersen:
At this point, I think Van Halen's future rests entirely in Eddie's hands, or mouth. His battle with cancer will take precedent over any reunion. Given the acrimony that unfolded after the last brief reconnect with David Lee Roth, I'd be surprised if another attempt would be made, unless profit is the driving motivation.Houston, TX:
Do you think that musicians like Hanson will regain what they are due? We all know that they're remarkably talented, but the current "pop stars" seem to have brain-washed the majority.

Edna Gundersen:
Hanson is a sad casualty of the times. A lot of these dubious teen talents deserve their premature extinction, but these Okie kids actually have talent to back up their poster boy image. I think they could persevere provided they have the determination and a label willing to show a little patience.Washington, DC:
How did you become a music critic? How can I get involved enough in the music industry to become a critic? Do you do anything else to support yourself?

Edna Gundersen:
I became a music critic almost by accident, and probably because it was a good fallback for someone who has absolutely no musical talent to speak of. I've always had a passion for music, but I didn't pursue this title initially. I was working at a newspaper in Texas, covering all sorts of news and features beats, when I found myself going to concerts (some pretty lousy ones, mostly) because nobody else was willing to endure the hassle and eardrum damage. My advice for anyone who wants to get into this bag is to read, read, read and then write, write, write. A love of music and a memory for arcane trivia are not enough. We interrupt this program for an urgent public warning -- YOU WON'T GET RICH DOING THIS. I don't do anything else to support myself because this job has a virtual San Quentin lock on all my time.Washington DC:
Does it ever make your blood boil when popular musicians have a hit song that is actually a cover (or using the main theme of a cover), and all the fans probably have no clue that the song isn't theirs?
I had a friend once that played me a song by "an awesome new band" called the Soup Dragons, and it was them covering "I'm Free" by the Rolling Stones. I laughed in his face....

Edna Gundersen:
One of my favorite cartoons shows a couple of kids leaving a record store and noticing a Bob Dylan poster. One says, "I didn't know Jakob's dad was a musician." I recall a young Rolling Stones fan telling me he really dug the early stuff, "like Tattoo You" (recorded 17 years after their debut). Yeah, it's pretty amusing watching these tykes getting a toehold in music history, but I'm always amazed at how many of them eventually trace the roots and go back to the wellspring -- Dylan, Howlin' Wolf, Sinatra, whatever. Kids today are a lot more open-minded than earlier rock generations, who loathed anything in their parents' record collections.Cleveland, OH:
I'm always amazed how a great record can come together with great lyrics and a melody that hooks you. I know alot of respected musicians write their own lyrics and music, but do you find alot of these people to be actual musical geniuses or they are a product of a highly engineered studio product? Thanks.

Edna Gundersen:
There are a handful of true geniuses, who take control of all aspects of their creative output. And then there are the half-wit musical mannequins who take instruction from armies of producers, songwriters, photographers and stylists. In between, there's a whole range of talent. In some case, a highly engineered studio product can be a work of genius. Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails has demonstrated the artistic possibilities of knob-twisting and computer-generated noise.El Paso, TX :
What can we expect from the new R.E.M. cd (is it a "comeback" album ala U2's All That You Can't Leave Behind?)and do you think not touring behind the album will hurt them/the record sales?

Edna Gundersen:
Check the earlier answer on R.E.M. I wouldn't call it a comeback, but it is somewhat of a return to form, in terms of the band's revival of jangling guitars and supple melodies. Word of mouth, good reviews, VH1/MTV support and radio action will help sales a lot, but a tour always fuels momentum, and they may need that.Avon Lake, OH:
Any buzz on the Counting Crow's recent recording sessions?

Edna Gundersen:
I've heard no clues about the music itself, but we may get a peek when the band interrupts recording sessions for a mini-tour in July. I really admire the Counting Crows and have been quite impressed with every album, so I'm anticipating a winner. It's not expected until early 2002.Troy, MI:
I think Wilco is the best rock and roll band in America right now. Who's your choice (please don't say REM)?

Edna Gundersen:
OK, I won't say R.E.M. I'll say "a trio from Athens, Ga. Actually, I don't think I have a specific band at the top of the list. Many of my favorites are outside our borders: U2, Travis, Idlewild. I agree that Wilco is high in the rankings.University of Wallamaloo:
What do you think of Pearl Jam's decision to release recordings from all the shows on their recent tour. Personally, I think they sound better 'live' than on their studio albums.

Edna Gundersen:
I thought it was a brave move. With such an avalanche of releases, each appealing to a relatively small audience, it's clear the band won't be making money off this project. But it's such a fun-loving, fan-loving thing to do, not to mention a real hurdle for bootleggers. Ooh, I should have mentioned Pearl Jam in the earlier best-band question. They remain a favorite, as much for their integrity as their talent.Bronx, NY:
What's the frequency Edna? With REM's new release and U2's latest gem, will america's taste finally grow up or are we going to mire in today's embarassing collection of impassionate "acts"?

Edna Gundersen:
The frequency, I'm afraid, is not frequent enough. REM and U2 are welcome blessings, but why aren't there parades of new bands with similar gifts and visions? They are burbling under the stampede of videogenic teen acts and macho rap-rockers, I suspect, as labels continue to troll for 'N Sync facsimiles while ignoring fresh and original music brewing in garages nationwide.Washington, DC:
Hi Edna, I saw Bon Jovi the other night. Good concert, they played a lot of their old hits. But they're newer songs really quieted down the audience. What do you think of their tour? Are they survivors?

Edna Gundersen:
I haven't seen this tour yet. Bon Jovi gets assailed by critics, but I'm a steadfast fan. I think the band has written some of the catchiest, meatiest pop-rock tunes out there. Longtime fans always want the oldies at concerts, so they tend to get impatient when a band plays new material. It goes with the turf. They're definitely survivors. I know critics who would love to see them quartered and buried, but it's not going to happen.Baltimore, MD:
It sounds like you are a journalist by trade. How can you be a music critic if you are not a musician?

Edna Gundersen:
Hey, there are loads of musicians who aren't really musicians, so why not a music critic? Actually, you don't have to be a chef to appreciate a decent souffle.New York, NY:
I love discovering new music. Can you give a good recommend for some band of artist who hasn't broken into the mainstream yet?

Edna Gundersen:
Current faves: Craig David, Joe Henry, Pete Yorn, Bob Schneider, Powderfinger, Idlewild, Minibar.Comment from USATODAY.com Host:
Thanks to everyone who joined in today. Make sure to come back next week to chat with USA TODAY music editor Ken Barnes.